Liverpool should have been awarded penalty against Arsenal, says review panel

The panel ruled that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Alexander Isak. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty in ​its 1-0 Premier League defeat by ‌Arsenal this month after defender ​Jurrien Timber pulled ⁠back striker Alexander Isak, the league’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel said on ‌Wednesday.

The incident occurred in the 21st minute at Anfield ‌when Isak challenged for ‌Bradley ⁠Barcola’s cross. Referee Andy Madley ⁠waved play on and VAR Stuart Attwell did not intervene despite replays ​showing Timber grabbing ‌the forward’s shirt.

The KMI Panel voted 4-1 that a penalty should have been awarded on ‌the field. A 3-2 majority ​concluded the VAR should have recommended an on-field ⁠review, deeming the missed call a clear and obvious error.

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Arsenal was ‌1-0 ahead through Kai Havertz’s goal, which proved enough to secure victory.

The panel unanimously agreed Timber’s challenge did not merit a red card for ‌denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

Liverpool manager Andoni ​Iraola said Isak would likely have been awarded a ⁠penalty had he gone to ground.

Liverpool, ⁠10th in the Premier League table, hosts Manchester ‌United on November 22 after the international break.